Today the EU is putting forward a new strategy for a stable and secure Black Sea region. This Strategy aims to boost connections and growth, by linking Europe with the South Caucasus, Central Asia, and beyond. Amidst Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the strategy will also reinforce the EU’s geopolitical role as a reliable actor in the Black Sea region.

The EU will forge closer cooperation with Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Georgia, Türkiye, Armenia and Azerbaijan and take forward regional cooperation on connectivity. A number of these countries have chosen to pursue the path towards EU accession or closer alignment with the EU. Today’s strategy seeks to bring tangible benefits to Black Sea partners and the EU by investing in and deepening key mutually beneficial partnerships.

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The Black Sea is a pivotal gateway linking Europe, the South Caucasus, Central Asia, and the Mediterranean. Its stability is crucial for international trade, food security, and broader geopolitical stability, as well as for energy security. The region’s sustainable and inclusive development is vital not only for its immediate neighbours but also for the European Union as a whole and globally.

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